“It was in my heart to help a little, because I was helped much.” – Khalil Gibran
George Garzouzi led a full life, surrounded by family and friends, filled with love, generosity, philosophy and food. His journey began in Kfarhata, Lebanon, as the son of John and Mary, and youngest sibling of Souheil, Elham and Najet.
It is there that he met his wife (one village away) of 48 years, Najwa Adra. Unable to wed in Lebanon by law, they began their lifelong partnership in Canada, through Montréal, Ottawa and ultimately, Aylmer.
George loved helping others, and help he did. Countless friends and family members passed through his house and his restaurants, for housing, for a job, or for a meal.
With Najwa, he raised three children (Amal, Lyla, Wassim) inspiring them with his values – kindness, generosity and love for family and friends. These values are carried through his five grand-children – Mathias, Alexia, Soraya, Mia and Zara.
George loved life. His favourite moments were around a table with friends and family, eating, talking, laughing and arguing. He loved his adopted country but never stopped thinking and supporting a Syria with more social justice and fewer borders, a Middle East without confessionalism and a Free Palestine.
He had a big heart – and sadly, health issues related to his heart. He spent time at the Hôpital de Hull, but never complained, and always spoke highly about the under-paid and over-worked staff. He was incredibly proud of fundraising initiatives he led with others, including for the benefit of the very hospital that took care of him.
For those wishing, donations can be made in George’s name to the Fondation Santé Gatineau.
A celebration of George’s full life will be held on May 30, 2023, at the Beechwood Cemetery Sacred Space at 10:30 a.m., followed by a lunch at 11:30 a.m. – accompanied by music from Fairuz, lots of food and his favourite, knafeh.
Livre de visiteurs
Khalil Fidaoui
Robert Ayoub
R.I.P
Benjamin G.
Some of my best memories growing up were when I would be invited over to the busy and bustling Garzouzi home, filled with love and the lovely smell of rose water coming from the kitchen. George would be present to greet us and other of the kids' friends at the front entrance of his welcoming home, standing proud and smiling to us as though he was the lucky one when in fact it was definitely the lot of us who were the fortunate ones.
Thank you, George for every smile and every act of kindness.
"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love." - Lao Tzu
Naim Salem
May his soul Rest In Peace. On behalf of my self and my wife, I would like to express our most sincere condolences to his family, the Garzouzi, and Adra families. لنفسه الرحمة ولكم بعده طول البقاء.
Fouad and Haala Sahyoun
Sincere condolences to the family. We missed knowing that very versatile interesting man.
Head et Jon
Thank you for showing us how it’s done George. In every kind or dignified gesture, warm smile or contagious burst of laughter, we’ll be seeing you. All around us, your legacy lives on. A world of George, a world where together we stand in peace, love and understanding. We love you Bops.
Jon, Edwidge, Éméric et Margaux
xoxo
Randi Abramsky
I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope, in time, the fullness of George’s life and the many people he touched along the way will give you solace.
Gilles Lanteigne et Diane Thibeault
Georges,
Au revoir et bon voyage. Ce fût un grand privilège de t’avoir rencontré. Tu as su incarner tout ce qui était important ici-bas, générosité, bienveillance, compassion et respect des autres. Merci,
Andrew Tremayne
I am very sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. Take good care.
Ian Anderson
My condolences to the Garzouzi family. I did not know George, but Wassim is a testament to his values.
Are greatest condolences and sympathy to the family May he rest in peace